46th LD Blog
46th District Dems September 2024 News Roundup
Hello 46th District Democrats –
Here's what our organization was up to in September!
⭐ September 17 Regular Membership Meeting
Our September 17 Regular Membership meeting was called to order at 7:07pm and adjourned at 9:25pm. Approximately 92 members and guests attended over the course of the evening. Here are some highlights from the meeting:
Following a welcome and declaration of quorum, by Chair Hunter Brown, and a Land Acknowledgement, by Member at Large Kathy Bentson, we covered the following business items:
- We Approved the August 27, 2024 Meeting Minutes and the evening's Agenda, without objection.
- We Approved the following Positions:
- Endorsed a Position of No, on Ballot Initiative Measure No. 2066
- Endorsed a Position of Yes, on City of Seattle Proposition No. 1
- We Approved one Resolution:
We also heard from a representative from the Alexis Mercedes Rinck campaign; from Legislative Representative Darya Farivar; and from Legislative Representative Gerry Pollet.
Coordinated Campaign representative, Liz Rosenberg also addressed our membership to tell us how we can get involved with their doorbelling efforts. Find more information at their WA Victory 2024 Linktree webpage.
Lastly, in accordance with our Standing Rules and Bylaws, a Financial Review Committee was appointed in June 2023, and out of their work, the Financial Review Committee's Summary Report was drafted. A link to the report was emailed ahead of the meeting, to all current Members in good standing, as well as to all former Executive Board Members, who held their offices during the time periods that were reviewed. Under advice of counsel, Chair Brown entertained a motion to take us into Executive Session to discuss the report. The motion passed and we entered Executive Session at 8:24pm, and exited it at 9:19pm.
Any current member who could not attend this meeting or access their copy of the report can email Chair Brown, at [email protected], to schedule a time to review the report, minutes or recording from that Executive Session, as they can not be shared publicly.
Following Executive Session, Chair Brown shared that the Rules & Bylaws Committee would be meeting to draft proposed changes to our Rules and Bylaws as they apply to our financial practices, and to codify best practices that we have already implemented over the last two years. Rules & Bylaws Co-Chairs, Margaret Shield and Tara Gallagher, later held that work session on Monday, Sept. 30. The proposed set of amendments will be voted on at the October 15 Regular Membership Meeting, and will be sent with the Call to Meeting.
Programs and Events
THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at 46th District Democrats events held in September! These included ...
September 10: Presidential Debate Watch Party @ Hellbent Brewing
46th Members came out in force to watch VP Kamala Harris take on Donald Trump in their first ever live debate. The 90-minute match proved why VP Harris is best fitted to lead our nation and will fight for all Americans. LET'S GO, KAMALA!!
September 14: Seattle City Budget 411 and Advocacy Primer @ NE Branch Library
The 46th District Democrats gathered for an fun and informative program to learn about our upcoming Seattle City Budget and what we can do to make our voices heard. Featured speakers were The Urbanist reporter, Amy Sundberg, and Community Advocate, Ron Davis. Click here for Amy's PowerPoint Presentation and Budget Handout.
THIS WEEKEND: Join us for these two in-person events
** SATURDAY **
Join MLK Labor, the 36th, 37th, 43rd and 46th District Democrats for Pancakes for Progress!
📅 DATE: Saturday, Oct. 5
🕖 TIME: 10am - Noon
📍 LOCATION: Seattle Labor Temple, 5030 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134
We will share some food, hear from candidates, learn about the state-wide initiatives, and prepare to get out and talk to people in our community.
Everyone is welcome! Sign up for this FREE event HERE.
IF YOU ARE A PCO, this is a great time to hear directly from the candidates and meet other Dems around the city!
IF YOU'RE NOT A PCO, we would love for you to attend! We will have canvassing lists for orphan priority precincts in your LD and be there to support you in learning to canvas if you haven't done it before! This is a great way to help get the vote out and make sure that Dems win big in November!
ALSO: Do you have a pancake griddle we could borrow? We promise to clean it and get it back to you after the event! If you have one we can borrow, please email Ryan Driscoll at [email protected] to coordinate.
For more information, email Vice Chair Lisa Rivera at [email protected]
** SUNDAY **
🎉 Join Us for a 46th District Dems Program on critical ballot initiatives, receive canvassing support, plus learn more about City Council Candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck 🎉
📅 DATE: Sunday, Oct. 6
🕖 TIME: Doors open @ 11am; Speakers begin @ 1pm; program ends at 3pm
📍 LOCATION: Lake City Library, 12501 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Join us on October 6 for an important and informative program as we dive into the deceptive and dangerous ballot initiatives on the upcoming November ballot.
We'll break down four initiatives—I-2066, I-2109, I-2117 and I-2124 — that aim to shift the financial burden of essential services away from the wealthy and big corporations, and onto working families and communities. These initiatives could have serious consequences, and we’ll discuss what we can do to stop them from passing.
Additionally, we will explore Prop 1, a vital measure you should support! If approved, Prop 1 will replace an expiring levy and ensure continued funding for important safety and access projects, including:
• Paving and sidewalk/bridge maintenance
• Infrastructure modernization
• Transit improvements and better connections to light rail
• New sidewalk projects
• Pollution reduction efforts
We’ll also be hearing from Seattle City Council candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck, learning more about her campaign and how you can get involved to support her vision for our community.
Doors open at 11am for set up, visiting with neighbors and canvassing preparation w/PCO Chair Marc Auerbach.
Don’t miss this chance to get informed, take action, and make a difference this November!
Speakers begin at 1:00pm and include:
• Diego Batres from Stop Greed and No on 2117 Field Organizer
• Calvin Jones from Defend Washington
• Alexis Mercedes Rinck or her campaign representative
The following Metro bus routes stop near the library: #75 or the #65
For more information, email event organizers Sylvia Haven and Kathy Bentson at [email protected]
Sponsored by the 46th District Democratic Organization. This program is not sponsored by the Seattle Public Library.
GOTV Action Updates
Who's ready to pound some pavement for our Democratic ticket!?
If you answered, "I AM!" then we want to hear from you. Fill out this short Google form to let us know what you can do, and our PCO Chair, Marc Auerbauch will be in touch.
It's neighbor connections that will make THE difference in next month's election.
Whether you're a PCO or just someone with good walking shoes, YOU can help get out the vote this November, and maybe earn yourself a HARRIS-WALZ YARD SIGN at the same time!
Just fill out this short Google form so we can get you set up!
THANK YOU to everyone who attended the PCO Committee meeting on Sept. 24, where we did basic GOTV and MiniVAN training.
NEXT, join us this Saturday at the Lake City Library, from 11am to 3pm, for another chance to get GOTV and Minivan pointers. PCOs and other volunteers can drop by to get oriented and get set up with walk lists (though lit won't be available until the following weekend).
THEN, join us on Oct. 12 at Kathy Sakahara's house where we'll assemble GOTV packets. Email Marc at [email protected] to RSVP and for the address.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! But even if you can't help assemble packets, you can still stop by that day to pick up your materials.
ALSO, if you want to start working before the 13th, sign up for the coordinated campaign with WA Dems. You can find campaign events here: https://wadems.org/events/ or https://linktr.ee/wavictory24
Sept. 28-29: Washington State Democrats State Committee Meeting in Yakima
Your 46th District Dems leaders made a big showing at the state committee meeting in Yakima, September 28 and 29. State Committee members Tara Gallagher and Scott Forbes were there, along with 46th District Dems Chair Hunter Brown, Vice-Chair Lisa Rivera, and Treasurer Melissa Taylor.
Vice Chair Rivera (who is also the WA State Dems Latino Caucus Western Vice Chair) chaired the Latino Caucus meeting in place of caucus chair Hector Hinojosa, who could not attend. She and Chair Brown also attended the Native American Caucus, Resolutions Committee Meeting, and Sunday's General Session.
Highlights from Sunday's General Session included the approval of amendments to the rules for conducting caucuses where PCOs choose replacements for legislative vacancies.
Treasurer Taylor wrote the initial amendment proposals and spent the weekend whipping votes for the amendments' successful passages. Thanks to the hard work of her and others, the three LDs that will be appointing legislators this coming year will have more inclusive and accessible ways to conduct their caucuses.
The amendments will allow LDs to use electronic balloting, and allow for remote participation, either at fully-virtual appointment caucuses, or at in-person appointment caucuses.
The amendments also added ranked choice voting to the choices of voting methods.
State Committee Members also voted to add a Muslim Caucus to the State-party-recognized constituency caucuses.
Lastly, the committee members also passed resolutions opposing privatization of medicare; in favor of funding schools by taxing the rich; proposing establishing legal rights of the Snake River; and urging legislation to ban "Greenwashing."
The next state committee meeting will be February 1, 2025 in Tacoma, where the main business will be reorganization and election of a new set of officers.
📢 King County Dems Reorg and other Opportunities
The King County Democrats will be holding its Reorganization Meeting on Sunday, December 15, at 12-noon via Zoom. A link to this meeting will be sent to voting Precinct Committee Officers only.
Those interested in KCD leadership positions are invited to attend an interest meeting scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13, 5:00-6:00pm on Zoom. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89866099264?pwd=wYZjAkoWbIgOa0RCTN9hdc73yRwdf8.1
Here are other opportunites to participate in our democracy:
SIGN UP TO BECOME A CERTIFIED ELECTION OBSERVER (training required): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DADAA29ABFFC25-51343636-2024
SIGN UP TO OBSERVE A DROP BOX CLOSURE (training optional): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DADAA29ABFFC25-51720141-2024
Looking Ahead ….
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Pancakes for Progress – Saturday, Oct. 5; 10:00am-Noon at the Seattle Labor Temple, 5030 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134
We will share some food, hear from candidates, learn about the state-wide initiatives, and prepare to get out and talk to people in our community. Everyone is welcome! Sign up for this FREE event here.
-
Gearing up to Defeat the Initiatives, Support Prop 1 and Elect Alexis Mercedes Rinck – Sunday, Oct. 6; 11:00am-3:00pm @ Lake City Library, 12501 28th Ave NE
Join us for an important and informative in-person program, as we dive into the deceptive and dangerous ballot initiatives on the upcoming November ballot; learn why and how we can support Prop 1; get help with GOTV and MiniVan; and hear more about the Alexis Mercedes Rinck campaign and how you can get involved to support her vision for our community. All are welcome!
-
46th District Democrats Environmental Caucus – Monday, Oct. 7; 7:00-8:00pm
These monthly meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month. Log onto the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82140323440.
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46th District Dems Effective Meetings Committee Meeting – Sunday, Oct. 13, at 7:00pm
These monthly meetings are held on the Sundays preceding Regular Membership Meetings. Register here.
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46th District Democrats Regular Membership Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7:00pm
These monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesdays of each. Register here.
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46th District Dems PCO Committee Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 22; 7:00-8:00pm
Register here.
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46th District Democrats Policy Committee Meeting – Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8:00pm
These monthly meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. Register here.
🏛️ Connect with our 46th Legislative Delegation
Find out what State Senator Javier Valdez, Representative Gerry Pollet and Representative Darya Farivar are up to by signing up for their newsletters:
Sen. Javier Valdez: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/valdez/e-newsletter/
Rep. Gerry Pollet: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/pollet/e-news/
Rep. Darya Farivar: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/farivar/e-news/
📢 Missed a meeting? Find them online!
You can find recordings of many of our past meetings on our 46th District Dems YouTube Channel. And now that we live stream Regular Membership Meetings directly on YouTube, most recordings can be found under the "Live" tab.
📌 Last but not least ….
Renew your membership (or start a new one) TODAY!
Dues support the costs associated with running the 46th Legislative District, and give you voting power at Membership Meetings, for items such as endorsing candidates, ballot measures and resolutions; electing some executive board positions like At-Large Members of the Executive Board; and adopting and amending our budget.
We have several contribution levels:
- Student / Limited Income ($10)
- Individual ($40)
- Couple/Family ($60)
- 4600 Club ($100)
- Friend of the 46th ($250)
- Benefactor of the 46th ($500)
Join at https://www.46dems.org/become_a_member. For questions about the status of your membership, email Membership Chair, Scott Alspach, at [email protected]
THANK YOU for reading, and for being part of our dynamic organization! We have a lot of work ahead of us, but together, we will fuel a BLUE WAVE that will lead to wins in local, state, and national offices, and defeat the regressive ballot initiates that will hurt middle- and low-income individuals and families. We're excited to be walking and working along side you!
Hunter Brown and Lisa Rivera
Chair and Vice-Chair
46th District Democrats
Call to Meeting – September 17, 2024
Hello 46th District Democrats --
This is your official CALL TO MEETING for the September 17, 2024 46th District Democrats Regular Membership Meeting, on Zoom.
DATE: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
TIME: 7:00pm
LOCATION: This meeting will be held on Zoom
🔵 PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIude6tqzgiHNMENl3XlsqbpyBPQmIa25hO
To request an accommodation, please follow the steps outlined on the 46th Dems Accommodations Request Process. Forty-eight hours notice is appreciated.
Eligible voters will receive a voting code (for balloted votes only), at the email address provided for their 46th District Democrats membership, the night before the scheduled meeting. For questions regarding voting codes, please email Effective Meetings Chair, Nathan Antonio, at [email protected]
🔵 REVIEW MEMBERSHIP STATUS:
Memberships expire on January 31 of each year, in accordance with our Standing Rules. Those who were paid members in the previous year (i.e. 2023) can renew at any time (or be granted a dues waiver), and your membership will become active 24 hours later. All others will have their memberships become active 21 days after paying dues (or being granted a dues waiver). For questions on the status of your membership, email Membership Chair, Scott Alspach at [email protected]
Refer to the Bylaws and Standing Rules for more information. Renew and/or learn how to receive a waiver here: https://www.46dems.org/become_a_member
🔵 PLEASE REVIEW OUR VIDEO TUTORIALS ON PARTICIPATION:
🔵 ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON:
-
Consent Agenda:
-
Endorsements/Positions
- Resolutions
🔵 FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE; 2017-2023 FINANCIAL REVIEW SUMMARY REPORT:
The Financial Review Committee has completed its review of available District financial documents from 2017-2023. A final summary report of the committee's findings, along with recommended operational changes, will be presented during the September 17, 2024 Regular Membership Meeting. The confidential report was sent to current 46th District Democrats members on Sept. 16.
🔵 IMPORTANT MEETING RESOURCES:
- Bylaws of the 46th District Democrats of Washington
- Standing Rules of the 46th District Democrats of Washington
- 46th PDC Committee Page
🔵 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
If you have any questions regarding the meeting or registration, please email [email protected]
We hope to see you at the meeting!
– Hunter Brown
Chair, 46th District Democrats